HC Deb 15 December 1959 vol 615 cc1234-5
25. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive the commissioner's report on the inquiry into the tidal waters of the River Forth.

Mr. Galbraith

The Commissioner has informed my right hon. Friend that he hopes to let him have his report fairly soon.

Mr. Gourlay

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this public inquiry was started last February and was completed in May of this year? Will he give an assurance that once his Department receives the report, it will deal with it expeditiously, because a very large part of the tidal waters are becoming increasingly polluted?

Mr. Galbraith

I am aware that the hon. Gentleman is naturally interested in seeing that the water is kept as clean as possible, but I am sure that he will appreciate that this is a complicated matter, full of technical issues and on a very complicated and difficult subject. I undertake that when the report is received, there will be no delay in the Scottish Office.